First Direct mortgage review

Is First Direct a good mortgage lender?

We analysed which lenders offer competitive mortgage rates and good customer service.

We found that First Direct offered very competitive rates in comparison with the competition. 

However, it only achieved a mid-table ranking for customer service. Its score of 67% left it in 11th position out of 22 lenders in our survey.

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First Direct Mortgages Review

	Score	Overall ranking
Which? Customer Score	67%	Joint 11th out of 22 mortgage lenders

Our Scores

Which? Customer Score

Which?'s rating for customer satisfaction, based on feedback from real customers. The score is made up of a customer's overall satisfaction with the brand, and how likely they are to recommend that brand.

First Direct customer satisfaction scores

The table below shows how First Direct performed in our latest mortgage satisfaction survey.

This gathered feedback from homeowners with First Direct mortgages about everything from the application process to overall value for money.

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What types of mortgage does First Direct offer?

First Direct is part of HSBC Bank, one of the largest mortgage lenders in the UK.

When we checked in September 2023, there were 47 mortgages available from First Direct. Most were fixed-rate deals, meaning your interest rate stays the same for a set initial period.

First Direct mortgages had initial periods lasting two, three, five and 10 years, before reverting to the standard variable rate.

The lender also offered a small number of tracker deals. 

Does First Direct offer the best mortgage deals?

We analysed thousands of mortgages over a four-week period in August 2023. 

We compiled a series of top 10 cheapest deals tables based on a variety of borrowing scenarios, and counted how many times each lender featured.

The average was five table appearances per week. However, First Direct featured an average of nine times a week, meaning it was one of the best lenders at offering competitive rates. (Data source: Moneyfacts.)

How much can I borrow from First Direct?

First Direct will lend to first-time buyers and home movers at 60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% loan-to-value (LTV). If you're remortgaging, you can borrow up to 90% LTV. 

First Direct doesn't publish its borrowing caps. It also doesn't deal with mortgage brokers, so you'll need to speak to the lender directly about how much you might be able to borrow in relation to your salary.

How long can a First Direct mortgage term be?

All of First Direct's mortgages allow customers to pay back the loan over a maximum term of 40 years.

Can I make overpayments?

First Direct deals allow you to overpay your mortgage in lump-sum or regular payments. Unlike most lenders, First Direct doesn't cap overpayments at 10% of the mortgage balance per year.

How can I contact First Direct?

Mortgages from First Direct are only available directly from the lender, so you won't be able to apply through a mortgage broker.

New customers can contact 0345 610 0103, and existing customers can call 0345 610 0236.

Its website is Firstdirect.com.